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It was 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach berated him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, while the wins have piled up.

Per the data, twice all season has the side had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with two clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again against United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled right inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.